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Full sugar fizzy drinks will be banned from schools by 2009, after the government reached an agreement with Coca-Cola Amatil NZ and Frucor Beverages to implement the removal.
Health Minister Pete Hodgson says the agreement will see the removal of 1.1 million litres of full sugar beverages from schools over the next three years. He says its a strong step forward and will ensure schools can provide healthier alternatives for students.
Hodgson says its a world-first and will help fight the global obesity epidemic.
"It's a multimillion dollar issue, without going into specifics, but it's a certainly a significant investment for us in the future health of New Zealand," George Adams of Coca-Cola says
But it is an investment that does not include drinks with
artificial sweeteners.
Diet drinks are part of Green MP Sue Kedgley's food cupboard of
shame. She says the government has simply capitulated to big
fizzy drink companies who want to keep their brands visible in
schools.
"The government has got this whole healthy eating programme in schools to encourage health - these drinks are unhealthy, nutritionless," Kedgley says.
Hodgson says there is no scientific evidence of any significant adverse effects from a daily intake of artificial sweetener beyond current usage.
"The idea of this initiative is removing calories from drinks that are sold in schools," Hodgson says.
Frucor Beverages CEO Carl Bergstrom, whose company distributes Pepsi, says there will be some substitution of sugar-free beverages for the ones which will be removed.
He disputes claims artificial sweeteners are linked to some cancers.
Bergstrom says aspartame has been well-researched and is approved in more than 90 countries and the World Health Organisation.
Drinks containing caffeine will also still be available.
Students say they already have a plan B, saying they will buy their drinks from shops and bring 1.5 litre bottles to school. They can still bring sugary fizzy drinks to school because the regulations only apply to what is available at the tuck shop and in vending machines.
